Police admit videos that seemingly shows officers punching teenage girls is "nothing short of shocking"
It comes following viral footage of a school leavers’ party
Police have admitted that a viral social media clip allegedly showing officers pulling tasers on a group of teenagers is “nothing short of shocking” as an investigation is launched.
Videos capturing police responding to what is understood to be a group of teenagers’ school leaving do were shared over social media this weekend after allegations that officers used undue force on the youngsters.
One video shows an officer saying that the teenagers are “disturbing the peace,” before appearing to get into a shoving match with a group of young girls and pulling out a baton.
Further clips appear to show officers wielding tasers, and teenage girls being punched in the face or knocked to the ground.
It has led to widespread critique of the police’s response, and questions over whether the level of force shown was necessary.
In response, South Yorkshire Police have now confirmed that they are investigating the matter, claiming that they want their officers’ actions to be “lawful, proportionate, and fair.”
A force spokesperson said: “The short clip on social media of the police response to an incident in Rotherham over the weekend appears nothing short of shocking.
“Our PSD are reviewing this and all available footage, including Body Worn Video, of the full response to the 999 call to understand what happened before, during, and after what is publicly available.
“Their assessment will inform our next steps.
“At South Yorkshire Police, we want our officers to be professional and their actions to be lawful, proportionate, and fair.”